Most experts agree that violence is a learned behavior. Children copy what they see and hear. Unfortunately, they are bombarded with violence on TV, the Internet, in video games and in some of the music they listen to. Other contributors to what children see on a daily basis are the stressors within their homes and schools. The stressors include drug or alcohol use, mental illness, financial hardship, and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Lack of adequate parenting skills cause parents and caretakers to model out of control behaviors. Children are told one way and shown another way to behave. The availability of guns and the young child or teenager's access to them end in senseless death on a daily basis. Young children who are just learning 'real and pretend' and impulsive teens may use a weapon in a way that brings death themselves, family and friends or innocent by-standers. The media is full of reports of violence within schools, churches and on the streets. As if the above were not enough, children and teens are at risk of engaging in violent behavior if they are involved in delinquent behaviors. If your child is a bully or has been bullied, he or she may use violence to express their feelings. If there are repeated statements about death or ongoing signs of depression, feelings may explore inward in the form of self-harm or outward by injuring others. A child or teen who is cruel to animals may transfer this violence toward people. Children who have a history of refusing to accept responsibility for their actions or who feel entitled may use violence to lash out at others to get what they feel is owed to them. Being associate with gang behaviors is a very high risk factor for violence. Young people who are bombarded by unrealistic expectations at home or in school may 'blow up' from the pain of frustration and despair. As a parent, teacher or mental health professional, you can play an important part in helping a chid or tenn express their frustrations and feelings in appropriate, non-violent ways. Anyone who finds themselves in a dangerous situation or believes their child or teen is in danger of victimizing or becoming a victim should call 911 or crisis hot line. In some situations, you may be able to get the person you are concerned about to an emergency room. Whatever you do, get help for the child or teen as soon as you possibly can. |
  |
